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Report: NFL is considering shortening the 2020 preseason to two games

As the league and players work on establishing safe protocols for the season, reduction of the preseason is under consideration

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images

In a report from NFL Networks Tom Pelissero, the NFL and the Players Association are currently in discussions about shortening the 2020 NFL preseason.

While nothing has been set in stone, the fact both sides are discussing the issue is intriguing. According to Pelissero, the reasoning behind a shortened preseason would be to allow more safety protocols and better preparation time leading into regualar-season games.

How this development affects the Pittsburgh Steelers is another interesting item. The Steelers are currently scheduled for five preseason games as they are set to kick off the NFL season on Thursday, August 6 against the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has gone on record as saying they are hopeful to hold their enshrinement activities in early August on schedule. As for the Hall of Fame itself, it reopened to visitors this week.

When it comes to the remainder of the Steelers 2020 preseason schedule, it will be interesting to see how the NFL adjusts. The Steelers are currently scheduled to play their home matchup’s in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Week 2 hosting the New Orleans Saints. With road games in Week 3 in New York against the Jets and their usual Week 4 matchup against the Panthers being in Carolina this season, it will be interesting to see how the NFL adjusts if they simply just cancel either the first two or last two weeks. Obviously the Steelers will not be the only team with whom they will need to reconsider their home and away schedules.

Of course, this notion of shortening the 2020 NFL preseason may be a bit premature. While the NFLPA and the league are in talks about how to handle the situation if needed, it does not mean the protocol will ever be put in place. But as sports are slowly returning, it is good to have a plan in place should the adjustment be necessary.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for breaking news, player updates, and all things Pittsburgh Steelers.